In an astonishing turn of events that has rocked the NFL landscape, the Buffalo Bills found themselves on the losing side in what will be remembered as one of the most peculiar games in league history. Facing off against the Los Angeles Rams, the Bills suffered a 44-42 defeat, despite posting 44 points and recording zero turnovers. This makes them the first team in the Super Bowl era to lose under such circumstances, shattering their previous impeccable record of 245-0 in games where they achieved these statistics.
At the center of Buffalo's performance was the dynamic Josh Allen, who etched his name into the NFL history books. Allen accounted for all six of the Bills' touchdowns, compiling three passing and three rushing touchdowns. In doing so, he became the first player in NFL regular-season history to achieve this remarkable feat. Even with Allen's stellar performance, history seemed to have other plans, breaking Buffalo's perfect record in games where they scored 40 points or more, a record that now stands at 53-1.
High-Scoring Thriller
The game against the Rams was not just notable for the Bills' unexpected loss. It was also the highest-scoring game of the 2024 season, with a total of 86 points between the two teams. The contest marked just the second instance in NFL history featuring an impressive combination of five touchdown passes, five rushing touchdowns, and no turnovers.
Meanwhile, other teams continued to make their mark on the season. The Las Vegas Raiders, for instance, have faced adversity, trailing by at least 10 points in every game this season. Yet, they have shown moments of resilience and grit throughout the year.
Streaks and Records
In the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles have established themselves as a formidable force, extending their current winning streak to nine games. Contributing to their success, Saquon Barkley set a new single-season rushing record for the Eagles with 1,623 yards. Elsewhere, the Detroit Lions have amassed an impressive 11-game winning streak, which positions them as strong contenders moving forward.
In a division known for its unpredictability, the NFC East is slated to see a new leader for the 20th consecutive year, a testament to the ever-shifting dynamics within this fiercely competitive group. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves out of contention for the divisional title this season, marking another challenging year for the once-dominant franchise.
Postseason Droughts and Scorigami
While some teams are eyeing postseason glory, others are grappling with prolonged playoff droughts. The New York Jets, for instance, have not appeared in the playoffs since 2010. Their 14-year absence from the postseason is currently the longest active streak in major professional sports across the United States.
The Miami Dolphins, however, had a reason to celebrate as they achieved a rare "scorigami" with their 32-26 victory over the Jets. A scorigami represents a final score that has never before been recorded in NFL history — a quirky footnote in an already unpredictable season.
Quarterback Woes
In another surprising twist, Aaron Rodgers reminded fans of his prowess with a 339-yard passing game against the Dolphins, marking his first 300-plus yard game since December 2021. Conversely, Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons have had a rough patch. Cousins has thrown eight interceptions without recording a single touchdown over four games, while the Falcons have similarly recorded zero passing touchdowns, conceding eight interceptions and allowing eight touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks during the same stretch.
Amidst all the chaos, the emergence of rookie tight end Brock Bowers has been a silver lining for fans. With 87 receptions, Bowers set a new record for rookie tight ends, announcing his presence in a league constantly hungry for new talent.
The 2024 NFL season continues to unfold with unexpected twists and turns, offering fans an abundance of stories to follow. From historic upsets and record-breaking performances to streaks and slumps, the narratives provide just a glimpse into the unpredictability and excitement that define the National Football League. As teams continue to battle in this relentless season, one thing is certain — the world of professional football is as thrilling as ever.